Police Say Tech Support Calls Could Be a Scam

The phone rings at night, and the person on the other end of the line launches into a spiel: Your home computer has been compromised. Can you boot up immediately and install a fix?

By MATTHEW PLEASANTTHE LEDGER

WINTER HAVEN | The phone rings at night, and the person on the other end of the line launches into a spiel: Your home computer has been compromised. Can you boot up immediately and install a fix?The calls might be a scam to access your personal information or credit card number, Winter Haven police warned Tuesday.Since Friday, three people have reported receiving the calls, said Jamie Brown, a WHPD spokeswoman. One told police her phone has rung twice with late night calls from a supposed technical support person.The callers could be trying to trick people into providing remote access to their computers, leaving their personal information vulnerable, Brown said. The callers also may ask for credit card information under the guise of charging for the fake technical support.Police are unlikely to find the source of the calls, Brown said, but residents can protect themselves in three key ways:Avoid clicking links or opening files from suspicious emails because they could install spyware on your computer. Look for clues, such as a lack of message content, that mean the email is harmful.Question callers asking for personal information. Demand a callback number to verify the information they give. If it's a scam, they likely won't give you one.If they provide a number and company name, don't call back right away. Attempt to find a corporate headquarters or a trusted person who can verify the information.To have a member of Winter Haven Police's Crime Prevention Unit address your church, civic or community group about scams, call 863-295-5905 or go to www.WinterHavenPD.com for information.